Faruque hails ABG University Cup as unbeaten ULAB storm into final

Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president and national team captain Faruque Ahmed hailed the ABG University Cup for its contribution to university cricket and the development of sporting infrastructure as unbeaten ULAB stormed into the final with a commanding 81-run victory over Fareast International University in the first semifinal at the Anvir Cricket Stadium, ABG Sports City, on Wednesday.

ULAB will now play the final, scheduled for 13 November at 5 pm, after producing another dominant performance to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Batting first after Fareast elected to field, ULAB piled up 184-3 in their 20 overs, with their top order delivering a collective batting masterclass. Shabab Jamil led the charge with 63 off 47 balls, including five fours and three sixes while Farhan Jani struck a brisk 50 off 34 deliveries.

Zakirul Ahmed continued his remarkable run of form, smashing 59 off just 36 balls to give ULAB a formidable total. His latest half-century also took his tournament tally to 264 runs, making him the competition's leading run-scorer. He was later named Player of the Match.

Chasing 185 for a place in the final, Fareast suffered an early collapse, losing four wickets for just 11 runs. Fahim Ahmed and Talha Zubayer attempted to steady the innings, but ULAB's disciplined bowling attack continued to make inroads.

Fareast were left reeling at 44-7, with ULAB firmly in control. Fahim tried to revive his side's hopes, but MahmuduI Hasan Rakib removed him before he could pose a serious threat.

A 35-run ninth-wicket partnership between Zahid and Mehedi only reduced the margin of defeat as Fareast were eventually bowled out for 103 in 16.4 overs.

Arifur Rahman was the pick of the ULAB bowlers, claiming two wickets for just six runs, including two maiden overs. Niloy, Parag and Rakib also picked up two wickets apiece.

Former BCB boss Faruque, who presented the Player of the Match award to Zakirul, was particularly impressed by the facilities at ABG Sports City and the initiative to provide private university cricketers with a competitive platform.

Speaking to Daily Sun, Faruque said: "I think it gladdens the heart because when we started playing, there was practically next to nothing in terms of facilities. Considering that, the infrastructure development and improved facilities we have today, particularly having a ground like this developed privately, are simply unimaginable.

"This has made me immensely pleased, and I am certain it will inspire many others as well, encouraging those who are in a position to step forward."

He also praised Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) for taking the initiative, expressing hope that it would encourage other cricket enthusiasts and organisations to invest in the game.

"ABG has initiated this, and taking a cue from them, there are many people who love cricket. Those who undertake such initiatives are essentially giving back to the country. If even two or three boys emerge from training here, that would be a tremendous achievement. It would be even better if 10 or 20 players came through," he added.

The former Bangladesh skipper also urged those with the means and capacity to develop sporting facilities to follow the example and contribute to the country's cricketing future.

The ABG University Cup was initiated by Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir to provide private university cricketers with the experience of playing under floodlights while promoting sportsmanship and competitive cricket at the university level.